That well know phrase... "Do as I say, not as I as I do" has become so well known that it is now expected by most.  Isn't it so much easier to give advice then take your own words of small wisdoms?  We move forward through our own experiences and either learn from them and move forward or ignore them and get stuck in the same place (or most unfavorably move backwards).  Each experience builds on the last and eventually become patterns or habits.  In Sanskrit and yogic philosophy this is referred to as vasanas (experiences) building onto vasanas and becoming samskaras (patterns).  Samskaras are not necessarily a bad thing.  There are many supportive patterns (learning to drive safely, reacting to an overflowing toilet, comforting a small child that has fallen down).  But there are also patterns that should be reflected upon and worked on to make change.  These can hold us down and cause us suffering.

As a teacher, I find myself leading group or private classes in which I hope that I offer a sense of serenity, calm, and inspiration.  It is always interesting to step in front of a group of people that look to you to hold space for them.  To offer a sanctuary for them to work on their samskaras.  Teachers are put into a position that we must step away from that common and incorrect phrase...

As we are all human, we all have suffering.  We feel, we have emotions, we have challenges and for most of us not in seclusion in a cave somewhere to find enlightenment, we have interactions with others in the world.  I have found the last couple of years (and more specifically, the last year) being ones of introspection, reflection and processing.  Getting out of my own way has been proving to be quite difficult.  Changing patterns even harder.  But what this tumultuous adventure has proven is that I wouldn't have it any other way.  I have been forced to look at my own dark corners and shine a little light in them.  This has been intense at times and fascinating most of the time.  Even in moments of blubbering tears, I couldn't help but mutter how cool it was to have that experience.  And it evolves.  I am now understanding of the importance of a personal practice.  And even more so, a teacher to give you that practice.  As we all now from past experiences, the hardest things to deal with and change are the things that we don't necessarily see so easily.  Thank you to my teacher.... thank you for holding space and inspiring me to be a better person.

As the Rain Falls...

Here in the Pacific Northwest, the season has officially turned. The brilliant sunshine that we took for granted at the end of the summer has turned its attention elsewhere. No longer are we able to forget what it means to turn inward. As the rain falls, we are naturally and instinctively settling down. Night time begins to fall even before the majority of us get out of work. I find myself, like so many others, becoming more homeward bound. A true effort is made to leave the comfort of my adorable and cuddling cats, the soft warm glow of the fire place, and the dryness that is home.

Instead of staying away, finding lazy days on the couch and eating comfort foods, we can instead turn to a practice that can energize us, inspire us, and even heal us. I have noticed of late that many of my students have been complaining of more stress in their lives, more tension in their bodies, and less energy to deal with any of it. As we fall into the dark, cold, and wet months of winter, we can turn to inward introspection, visualizing something that brings us joy, warmth, and support. Allow this to accompany you in your day to day steps and in your practice. Allow this to integrate itself into your consciousness so you no longer need to try to think about it. A thoughtful yoga practice can not only open up our bodies, heal injuries or abuses but also change our perspectives. Changing how we think about our yoga can alter how you do your yoga.

One way to help deal with stressful times is to turn to our breath. Seems so simplistic, doesn't it? In times of stress, frustration, anxiety or any other feeling of discord, our breath becomes shallow and even stressed itself. Our breath is the last thing we tend to focus on or even think about. We sometimes even forget to breath! In these stressful times, allow yourself the special gift of a moment. A moment to do nothing else but breath. Close your eyes. Turn your attention inward. Send the breath into your belly, allowing it to soften and relax. Taking full and extraordinary breaths softly through the nose and sending it down. Allowing this downward attention to help you find grounding and support. Come out of your head. Take at least 10 full breaths before moving on with your day. Notice if this changes how you perceive the events happening. It is so simple and so profound. Just breath. This attention will help relief stress, tension, and even change the way your relate to people in these pressing times.

Some of us deal with lack of energy, motivation, and desire to interact at all. Focusing on the breath will also help along with keeping active. Stick with your practice. Allow it to change. Allow there to be an ebb and flow. If you have a difficult time motivating yourself to do your self practice, go to a class. Group energy helps inspire us to move and breath! If getting to a class seems daunting, take another moment. Sit and breath. Keep sending the breath down to find your support system and then turn your attention to your inhalation. Allow each inhale to fill you with inspired, positive energy. Once you get the itch to move, go... go straight to class. Get on your mat. Surround yourself with others that most likely had to make the same bold effort to get there. Come together and live your practice.

You are worth each breath you take. Give yourself the chance to find its inspiration and motivation. Allow it to let you dance and sing and live! Breath!